Telematics, a technology that combines GPS and onboard diagnostics, can significantly reduce the rising number of road accidents in the country.
Joseph Mbugua, Principal Secretary for the State Department of Roads, said this in Nairobi on Wednesday during the Telematics Summit, adding that the technology can effectively monitor drivers’ behaviour and provide real-time feedback for actions.
“This technology can detect and alert drivers to risky behaviours like speeding, harsh braking, and distracted driving, promoting safer driving practices,’’ he said.
“Furthermore, telematics data can be used to identify areas where drivers need additional training and coaching, leading to a more proactive approach to safety management.”
Mbugua’s comment is coming just days after Roads and Transport cabinet secretary Davis Chirchir revealed that the country has recorded 2,933 road fatalities so far this year, with 80 deaths reported in just the past four days.
Chirchir said the government launched nationwide safety audits and inspections at accident-prone road segments to identify hazards, reconstruct crash scenes, and propose technical recommendations within seven days.
He added that legislative reforms are at an advanced stage to strengthen road safety laws on school transport, commercial vehicle operations, drink driving, vehicle inspections, roadside stations, and a review of the Traffic Act.
Apart from addressing the road accident menace in the country, Mbugua noted that the adoption of telematics has transformed reactive systems into predictive ones, ushering in an era of intelligent transport, smart cities, and mobility solutions where safety, sustainability, and strategy can coexist.
He described telematics as the “nervous system” of modern infrastructure, a technology that powers autonomous vehicles, enables remote diagnostics, and supports swift emergency responses.
“Telematics will enable the ministry to collect vital data for road planning and design, enhance road safety, improve asset and resource management, and strengthen resource mobilization efforts.”
Organized by Teltonika, the summit brought together tens of Telematics experts from across the world.
Elvis Makaya, director, Teltonika Kenya, told the Star that they are helping address challenges in the transport and logistics sector, including route optimization, fuel consumption, and real-time tracking of goods.“Meanwhile, in the car-sharing industry, our solutions enable operators to monitor vehicle locations, effectively manage their turnover and assess fleet condition.”
by VICTOR AMADALA
